Cutline: Kinda McInnis, SC State 1890 Extension 4-H youth development agent for the Pee Dee Region, along with other staff members, presented books to the students at the AMIkids Camp Bennettsville on Tuesday.
AMIkids Camp Bennettsville, MWE Public Library receive several hundred books
Youth at Camp Bennettsville received two books, “The Darkest Mind” by Alexandra Bracken and “The Lion King: Twenty years on Broadway” by Michael Lassell on Tuesday.
Students at AMIkids Camp Bennettsville received the gift of literacy on Tuesday.
AMIkids and Marian Wright Edelman Library received free children’s books donated through a partnership with SC State University 1890 Research & Extension and the Molina Foundation. Kinda McInnis, SC State 1890 Extension 4-H youth development agent for the Pee Dee Region, said it was awarded 30,000 books in 2022 from the Molina Foundation.
“As part of the partnership, 1890 is donating the books to schools, organizations, and families across the state,” she said. “Because we care about improving the success of educational and health resources for families in your community, we are giving new children books and educational materials to empower children and families and resources.”
The Molina Foundation awarded more than 30,000 books, valued at approximately $336,782.67, to the SC State 1890 4-H Youth Development Program. The books cover a range of ages and themes. The donations to Camp Bennettsville and MWE Edelman are part of a statewide literacy tour that will be held in the month of January. “We believe the impact of the new books in our communities will help emphasize the importance of literacy, storytelling, and families learning together,” she said.
McInnis gave the students some tips on becoming stronger readers.
She encouraged them to read for at least 20 minutes a day.
“Reading is a very important skill that you will use every single day,” McInnis said. “It helps you to develop your mind, build your vocabulary, and write exciting stories.”
Youth at Camp Bennettsville received two books, “The Darkest Mind” by Alexandra Bracken and “The Lion King: Twenty years on Broadway” by Michael Lassell.
Marcus McGirt, executive director at Camp Bennettsville, said one of his goals when he became director in July of 2022 was to partner with Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country to get books donated for actual libraries for students.
He added it was great when McInnis reached out for the partnership.
“I am really enthused about it and the promotion of literacy comprehension,” McGirt said. “It will be really great and impactful. I am deeply honored to be selected here at Camp Bennettsville.”
McGuirt, who is a member of the Latta Town Council, said he tried to expose students to different things that they may not have been exposed to in their home county.
“They are really excited about it, especially with ‘The Darkest Mind’ book,” he said. “I think they are really going to read it.”
He noted that student Antonio Miles is the book reader at Camp Bennettsville, which motivates the others to read.
McGirt thanked SC State 1890 for the books.
During the presentation, staff learned Camp Bennettsville’s STAR scores had improved in reading by 4.6 points from the last time students were tested.
“This will help them build on their literacy progress with reading,” McGirt said.
He reminded students that Camp Bennettsville was not their final destination.
“Once you leave and go outside of what I call our white picket fence, the world has a lot to offer you. It is only going to offer it to you if you take the opportunity. If you seize the moment. “
McGirt said students as a group would finish “The Darkest Mind” by the end of February.
The goal is to discuss the book, give a summary of the book, and present it to SC State 1890 staff.
The Molina Foundation’s 2023 Book Buddies program donates books to support the programs and services of community organizations and nonprofit agencies nationwide. The literacy program is designed to provide free educational resources to help children, parents, and caregivers create word-filled homes through pleasure reading and learning time together. SC State University 1890 Research & Extension provides a life-changing public service by offering a variety of educational opportunities to the citizens of South Carolina. Among the program’s seven regional offices, the Pee Dee Region serves Marlboro, Chesterfield, Dillon, Florence, and Marion counties.